About the Handiwork PDF Splitter
PDF Splitter extracts the page numbers or ranges you specify and saves those pages as a new PDF. It accepts expressions such as 1, 3-5, removes duplicate selections, and writes pages in ascending page-number order. The source file stays unchanged and is processed locally in browser memory.
How to use the Handiwork PDF Splitter
- Choose one PDF and note its page count in your usual PDF viewer.
- Enter individual pages or inclusive ranges, such as 1, 3-5.
- Download the extracted document and compare its page count and content with the source.
How page ranges are interpreted
Page numbers are one-based, matching the numbers a reader normally sees: page 1 is the first PDF page. Commas separate selections and a hyphen creates an inclusive range. The input 1, 3-5 selects pages 1, 3, 4, and 5. Repeated pages are included once and the final selection is sorted.
Extraction creates a new document
Selected pages are copied into a fresh PDFDocument rather than removed from the source. This makes the operation reversible as long as you keep the original. The new file has its own document structure and is not a byte-for-byte excerpt.
Page labels can differ from page numbers
Some publications label introductory pages with Roman numerals or start printed numbering after a cover. This tool uses physical PDF page positions, not printed labels. Confirm the intended pages visually when the document uses custom page labels.
How this page was reviewed
Range parsing was checked for single pages, comma-separated values, inclusive ranges, duplicates, invalid syntax, reversed ranges, and page numbers beyond the document. Output verification still matters for complex PDF features.
Assumptions and limitations
- Custom printed page labels are not interpreted; selections use physical PDF page positions.
- Document-level bookmarks, attachments, forms, signatures, scripts, and metadata may not carry into the extracted file.
- Encrypted or damaged PDFs may not load.
- The entire source and output must fit in available browser memory.
Sources and standards
These authoritative references were used to verify the method and guidance on this page.
Frequently asked questions
How do I extract pages 2 through 6?
Enter 2-6. The endpoints are included, so the output contains pages 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.
Can I combine individual pages and ranges?
Yes. An entry such as 1, 3-5, 9 selects pages 1, 3, 4, 5, and 9.
Can I repeat or reorder pages?
No. Duplicate selections are removed and pages are saved in ascending source-page order.
Does splitting modify the original?
No. It creates a new download and leaves the selected source file unchanged.
Are PDFs uploaded for splitting?
No. Range parsing, page copying, and saving occur locally in your browser.